Providing alternative care
Our priority is to keep children with their families, but when that’s not possible due to safety, loss, illness, or when children are separated during emergencies, we support temporary alternative care, as a last resort, while working towards safe family reintegration wherever possible.
Why this support is needed
When children cannot stay with their families, either temporarily or permanently, high quality alternative care solutions are essential.
75% of children in alternative care have experienced trauma.
Children and young people in alternative care are highly vulnerable to adverse childhood experiences, with 3 out of 4 experiencing trauma before coming into alternative care.
Many care professionals are not trained to care for children and young people who have experienced trauma.
These children need care professionals who have the specialised skills, knowledge and experience to support their emotional and social needs. Trust and strong caring relationships can then be built, which help the children overcome their trauma.
Up to 9.42 million children living in institutions today.
Research shows that large scale residential settings, or institutions, are harmful to the development and wellbeing of children and young people.
Aproximately 1 out of 1,000 children are in alternative care globally.
Globally 102 out of every 100,000 children are in alternative care settings, with the majority living in family-based care.
Children who have lost parental care deserve a safe, secure environment and the chance to build strong relationships.
Where needed, small-scale alternative care settings can provide interim support as part of a wider approach focused on enabling family-based care.
When a child is reunited with their parents or relatives, we continue to support the family through our Family Strengthening work.
How we help
At SOS Children’s Villages, we support a range of alternative care responses tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and family.
Kinship care
When possible, children are cared for by extended family members, older siblings, or close family friends. We support these caregivers through our family strengthening programmes to ensure stability and care.
Foster care
We collaborate with foster parents, providing training, counselling, and financial support. Foster families may live in their own homes or within SOS Children’s Villages communities, ensuring children receive consistent and loving care.
Small group care
Professional child and youth care workers provide care for small groups of children, with the goal of reunifying them with their families when safe and possible.
Emergency care
In urgent situations, we offer safe, temporary care for children who need immediate protection, while working to resolve the issues that led to the separation from their families.
Mother and child homes
These homes provide short-term support for both mother and child, helping mothers gain the skills and resources they need to care for their children effectively.
Transition homes
These facilities offer a temporary residence for children and young people as they await placement in a suitable alternative care setting or work on integrating back into the community.
A range of context specific care options may be used depending on the child’s situation, with family-based care prioritised.
How this makes an impact
Read more about children who have been helped through high quality alternative care. Hear their stories and see how your support makes an impact.
Make a donation
Your donation helps every child grow up with the love, care and support they need to thrive. Every gift changes a life.
